Atmosphere, Vol. 17, Pages 40: Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Their Implications for Adaptation Decision-Making in Inner Mongolia, China

Atmosphere doi: 10.3390/atmos17010040

Authors:
Zhiying Han
Yeo-Chang Youn
Xiaoming Yin
Yohan Lee
Hyeyeong Choe

Climate change brings significant challenges to developing countries whose primary livelihood is agriculture. Farmers are directly perceiving and being affected by climate change, and their correct perception of climate change is critical for choosing effective adaptation strategies. The purpose of this paper is to examine farmers’ perceptions of climate change and to analyze the factors that affect the accuracy of their perception. Taking Aohan Banner, Inner Mongolia, China, as a study area, we surveyed 630 farmers and 42 experts in 2021, the accuracy of farmers’ perceptions of climate change was measured by comparing it with meteorological data. Farmers and experts then ranked the impact of 12 meteorological disasters. Finally, the factors affecting farmers’ correct perceptions of climate change were analyzed by ordinal logistic regression. We determined the following: (1) Most farmers’ perceptions of temperature is that it is increasing, while their perception of precipitation is that it is decreasing, consistent with the meteorological data and most expert views. (2) Most farmers’ perceptions of wind speed is that it has increased, which is contrary to the meteorological data and most expert views. (3) Farmers’ perceptions of the impact degree of meteorological disasters is drought, then frost, and then rainstorms. This impact degree is different from expert opinions, but the perception of drought is the same, in that drought is considered to be the most severe meteorological disaster affecting farmers. (4) The years of farming, agricultural income, access to information via the Internet and television, and concern about climate change are positively correlated with farmers’ correct perceptions of climate change. Based on our research, we suggest the following: (1) Take measures to deal with drought disasters, such as the rational development and use of water resources, adoption of water-saving measures, and cultivation of drought-resistant and cold-resistant herbs. (2) Improve farmers’ knowledge level through agricultural technology and climate knowledge education. (3) Strengthen the promotion and exchange of climate information.

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